Leo Parker: Rollin' With Leo (Tone Poet Vinyl) (180 g) (LP)

Leo Parker was one of many in Billy Eckstine’s band who fell under the spell of alto saxophonist Charlie Parker (no relation) in the ’40s. Leo had the chops and drive to convert Bird’s fleet flights of fancy to the more cumbersome baritone sax and no one could touch him. As a leader, he combined his be-bop chops with a soulful, jump swing style of music to create an irresistible blend of soul and intellect. Parker died before this gem could be released and it sat in the can for 20 years! This is Rudy Van Gelder’s first remaster of his original recording. DAVE BURNS, trumpet; BILL SWINDELL, tenor sax; LEO PARKER, baritone sax; JOHNNY ACEA, piano; STAN CONOVER (tracks 3 & 4), AL LUCAS, basses; WILBERT HOGAN, PURNELL RICE (tracks 3 & 4), drums